I happened to stumble across Bird's Nest Restaurant when we visited Brisbane and recognised that co-owners Emi and Marie were former contestants for The Hotplate and had won the grand final. I had been looking forward coming here. 

An open kitchen provides a view of the chef cooking the yakitori skewers. 

Mini tama $6

These soy infused bite-size quail eggs were the perfect snacks to start off the night. Each egg was cooked to my liking with a soft centre and full of flavour. 

Nama gaki 1/2 doz $18

Our friends ordered the oysters, and they found the oysters super fresh and creamy, and that the yuzu dressing completed the oysters very well.

Wafu Caesar salad $12

I enjoyed this Caesar salad, which had a Japanese twist. The bonito flakes and the soft boiled egg teamed up to give the salad it's unique flavour and texture.

Sasami $10 w/ mayo & crunchy garlic (Left); Tsukune $11 w/ raw egg yolk

The sasami-chicken tenderloin was juicy and tender, nice contrast with the crunchy garlic.

The tsukune-minced chicken meatballs had a semi sweet glaze that sealed in the chicken flavour. When dipped in the egg yolk the meat turned silky and smooth and almost felt like it melts in your mouth.

Negima (chicken thigh with shallot) $10

Buta Bara (Pork belly with kimchi mayo) $11

The meat wasn't greasy at all and had a nice grilled flavour.

Kakuni (slow cooked pork belly) $10

The pork belly was cooked until nice and soft and finished on the grill.

Shirogoma panna cotta $6.5 each / Houjicha ice cream $5

The white sesame panna cotta was so creamy and nutty, and I loved the syrup on top. The houjicha ice cream was rich and smooth too.

Food: 8.5/10
Service: 8/10
Atmosphere: 7/10

Highlight:

• Very fresh ingredients
• White sesame panna cotta, just can't get enough

Lowlight:

• None

Website: http://birdsnestrestaurant.com.au/
Address: 702 Ann Street Fortitude Valley
Hours: Lunch Mon-Sat: 12am-3pm
            Dinner Mon-Sun: 6pm-late
Phone: (07) 3257 2305